The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The South Pass Historic Mining Area is a 30-square-mile region with incredible historical relevance administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). As a protected area, it is a perfect example of the role held by the BLM in the United States.
Located about 90 miles northeast of Rock Springs, WY, the South Pass Historic Mining Area is the site of Wyoming's 1867 gold rush that brought incredible numbers of settlers to this stunning section of the state. Sitting within the Shoshone National Forest, the BLM protected region includes two unique hamlets—South Pass and Atlantic City—that were once large cities and Miner's Delight, a gold mining community that is completely deserted. Campers staying near the South Pass Historic Mining Area find themselves within 182 miles of Grand Teton National Park and 194 miles of Yellowstone National Park.
Amongst the many historical trails in the South Pass Historic Mining Area is part of the Continental Divide Trail. This path takes hikers from the outskirts of South Pass City to the mountain pass often used by pioneers on their way to Oregon, California, or other parts west. The trail elevates more than 3,000 feet during its length as it moves along tumbling creeks and through forests to the historic South Pass, the most convenient crossing of the Continental Divide available to pioneers.
Length: 22.1 miles
Intensity: Moderate
The trailhead leading to the South Pass City State Historic Site loop trail begins in the town center. It travels amongst the protected buildings and along several water sources before reaching the site of the Carissa Mine—the principal source of gold supporting South Pass during the gold rush era.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Anglers find creeks and lakes filled with native trout throughout the South Pass Historic Mining Area. These streams are ideal for fly-fishing, with several small pools hidden beneath overhanging canopies.
Huddled within the South Pass Historic Mining Area is the Wild Iris rock-climbing region. The dolomite cliffs of Wild Iris offer several short and sharp climbs that attract climbers worldwide. With the added incentive of spectacular views of the plains and the Rocky Mountains, this area provides some fantastic day-long adventures with bolted climbs established for climbers of every skill level.
Even at the elevations found inside the South Pass Historic Mining Area, wildlife finds a way to thrive. Mule deer, elk, pronghorn, and moose are seen along the many creeks competing for the succulent grasses and shrubs that are a staple of their diet. Birds of prey native to the area include peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
One of the principal features of the South Pass Historic Mining Area is a large number of picnic areas. Most trailheads have picnic areas set aside around them, and many picnic tables with protected trash bins sit along the trails at locations with spectacular views.
The night sky in the South Pass Historic Mining Area is spectacular. Located at an elevation between 8,000 and 10,000 feet, the atmosphere is thinner, allowing for a clear view of the night sky.
You'll find two Bureau of Land Management campgrounds inside the South Pass Historic Mining Area. Both BLM campgrounds charge a nightly fee with a 14-day stay limit. The nearest of the developed RV camping sites to South Pass City is the Big Atlantic Gulch Campground, which offers 18 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, trash bins, and vault toilets. The cost of an overnight stay varies from $3 to $12, depending on the season.
The nearest dispersed camping site to South Pass City is the Loop Road Dispersed Camping Area off Highway 131, which is supported by the National Forest Service, but there are no amenities. RVs may pull off the road to spend the night in lieu of Bureau of Land Management free camping. If all sites are filled in the immediate area off Highway 131, several offshoot roads out of the initial camping area lead to multiple pullouts where boondockers are welcome.
BLM camping is an incredible experience that brings you close to nature. However, you will find yourself in remote areas where RV supplies are not readily available, so be sure that you stock up before you head out. Pack extra canned food, and bring at least half a gallon of water per person per day. Take extra clothing as the temperatures drop quickly in the higher elevations. Before heading out on a trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
While visiting vulnerable environments like the South Pass Historic Mining Area, observe BLM's Leave No Trace regulation. Minimize your impact on the fragile microenvironments by hiking established trails. Clean up all trash and keep campfires small.
To reach the South Pass Historic Mining Area from Rock Springs, WY, take United States Highway 191 North (US-191 N) for 39.2 miles to the intersection with Wyoming State Highway 28 (WY-28). Turn right onto WY-28 and go for 43.5 miles. At the junction with South Pass City Road, turn right and drive for 2.2 miles into South Pass City.
Ready to visit South Pass Historic Mining Area? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day of exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
